Principal features of human vision in the context of image quality models

The amount of data involved in digital picture processing provides a challenge even for nowadays sophisticated computer hardware, in computational speed as well as in storage capacity required. However, modern communication and office automation concepts substantially rely on the idea of an extensive availability of picture processing and transmission facilities. Reduced resolution of signal dimensions and appropriate coding schemes thus are inevitable prerequisites of such a development. Optimal adjustment of this reduction procedures requires an appropriate measure of image quality. Common S/N measures, however, show only weak correlation with the judgements of human observers. Models of human vision that are applicable to the prediction of subjective picture quality therefore play an important role in an optimal use of resources in future technological developments